Residents of hidalgo HIDALGO COUNTY HONORS LEGISLATORS county: t its regular meeting held in June, to which Hidalgo County Judge Ramon the members of Hidalgo County Garcia referred to as the “Dream Team.” With all the great news and recent de- Commissioners Court recog- The members of the Court applauded velopments for our area, I am certain A nized the extraordinary accomplish- the legislators for successfully passing that you can agree that these are ex- ments achieved by the members of the historic legislation that will change the citing times in Hidalgo County! Texas State Legislative Delegation repre- landscape of our region with the cre- There are many projects coming senting Hidalgo County with a resolution ation of a new university and medical down the pipeline that are certain to in their honor. Hidalgo County was privi- school. The state delegation worked in transform the landscape of our great leged to have seven legislators represent- a regional and bipartisan manner with County. From transportation projects ing the interests of our area, including their Valley which will spur economic and com- two senators and five representatives, Continued on Page 2 mercial activity and trade, and attract industry, to the real and tangible out- look for developing a flourishing health care industry with the new medical school, Hidalgo County’s future is looking brighter and more promising every day.

Our area is ripe with talent and op- portunity, and we find ourselves at the perfect moment and perfect place for such tremendous change that will ben- efit our children and our community for years to come. We welcome the challenges and op- i-69 DESIGNATION FOR HIDALGO COUNTY portunities that these new develop- ments may bring, and look forward n May 2013, the Texas Transportation lacy counties will be signed as Interstate to continuing to work together with Commission announced final approval 69 East, and 46 miles of the east-west US our County, state, and local leaders to of the designation of an ad- 83 freeway has from Harlingen bring these projects to fruition. I ditional 116 miles of freeway to west of Mission has been Thanks for your continued support, in and Northeast designated as Interstate 2. Texas as part of the system, including 13 miles On the day of the announce- in Hidalgo County. With this ment, Hidalgo County Judge approval, three Rio Grande Garcia remarked, “This inter- Valley highways are now, for the state designation will have a first time, designated as interstates tremendous impact on our and will be served by the Interstate Continued on Page 2 Highway System.

The 13 miles in Hidalgo County along This Issue: US 281 in Pharr and Edinburg will now Honoring Legislators 1 be signed as Interstate 69 Central, a I-69 Designation 1 “Dare to Prepare” Fairs 3 designation that will eventually extend In Memory of Spc. Kevin Cardoza 4 northward to George West, Texas. In ad- Operation Lone Star 4 dition, US 77 through Cameron and Wil- PAGE 2 | your county connection

Hidalgo County Honors Legislative Delegation June 11, 2013

Legislators (Continued from Pg. 1) I-69 Designation (Continued from Page 1) counterparts and their colleagues across community and continue to help promote our area as an economic leader. Im- the state to promote and successfully ap- proved transportation infrastructure is a commodity sought after by businesses prove other legislation benefiting Hidalgo looking for new markets, and today’s news means that our area is now on a level County residents. The County presented playing field with the rest of the country.” individual award plaques to each mem- ber of the delegation, in recognition of Garcia added, “We applaud the efforts of all local leaders who have been push- their tireless and diligent dedication on ing for this designation, over twenty years in the making. These leaders had the behalf of the citizens of Hidalgo County. foresight and vision to The legislators each took a moment to form the I-69 Alliance to extend their gratitude for the recognition, keep this project a priority; thanking the members of the Court for today marks a monumental their continued support. Present at the moment of achievement recognition were Senator Juan “Chuy” for their efforts.” Hinojosa; Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr.; Repre- sentative Terry Canales and his wife, Erica Garcia continued, “Hidalgo Canales; Representative Bobby Guerra; County’s future continues Representative Oscar Longoria and his to look brighter with the wife, Jennifer Ruiz-Longoria; Representa- many new developments tive Armando “Mando” Martinez; and and recent focus on our representing State Representative Sergio region. This interstate des- Munoz, Jr. was his Chief of Staff, Richard ignation, along with other transportation and economic development projects will Sanchez. Congratulations to the state continue to maximize Hidalgo County’s competitiveness in a global economy.” legislators representing Hidalgo County for their notable accomplishments during A ceremonial unveiling of the I-69 and I-2 designations will be held later this month the 83rd Legislative Session! in both Hidalgo and Cameron counties. your county connection | page 3 hidalgo county “dares to prepare”

o mark the beginning of hurricane Insurance, educated and empowered the season and to raise awareness of community with information, resources, Tthe importance of being prepared and giveaways to help residents make should a hurricane or tropical storm hit informed and responsible preparations our area, Hidalgo County and the Texas and to alert residents on the importance not cover any damages. A&M University Colonias Program, along of preparing for a disaster. with partner agencies and organizations, County residents were also encouraged hosted the 4th annual “Dare to Prepare” At the fairs, residents were also encour- to stay informed and aware by signing up fairs during the month of June. Eight fairs aged to prepare by purchasing flood to receive emergency and weather alerts were held in various community centers insurance and reminded that it takes 30 via email, and by following the County’s and public places throughout the county, days for an insurance policy to activate; social media sites such as Facebook and and attendees were given valuable infor- if a hurricane were to hit prior to the Twitter. For more information, visit the mation and resources from over 15 dif- completion of the waiting period, the County website at www.co.hidalgo.tx.us. ferent agencies and organizations to help policy would not be in force and would plan and prepare for a hurricane.

Hidalgo County officials and employees take preparedness very seriously, and en- courage citizens to do the same for them- selves, their families and their property. In communities such as ours where threats from hurricanes and tropical storms are likely, and where many areas are low-lying and prone to flooding, residents must take measures to be prepared.

Emergency officials recommend that families have a plan in place in the event a storm threatens our area. Residents best know the vulnerabilities of their own homes and properties, based on location, condition, and history; officials encourage personal responsibility through prepared- ness, and urge residents to have a plan in place and make arrangements before a storm hits. Some may choose to volun- tarily evacuate to a safer location if they reside in low-lying areas or in areas with inadequate drainage. Those that choose to hunker down in place are reminded that they must plan and prepare for a minimum of seven days since relief forces may not be immediately available.

Through the “Dare to Prepare” fairs, Hidalgo County and partner agen- cies wanted to make it convenient for residents to acquire the information and resources necessary to prepare accord- ingly. Agencies such as the American Red Cross, the National Weather Service, and the Hidalgo County Health Department, and even businesses such as Home Depot, South Texas Health System, and Farmers PAGE 4 | your county connection

Honoring a Hometown hero - Spc. Kevin Cardoza

idalgo County Commission- Elsa High School. He enlisted in He was also a loving son and brother ers Court recognized the the U.S. Army after his high school to his parents Ramiro Cardoza, Sr. Hfamily of U.S. Army Special- graduation in 2011 and was assigned and Maria Cardoza and three siblings ist Kevin Cardoza who was killed in to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, Ramiro Cardoza Jr., Michael Cardoza action while serving his country on 1st Armored Division in Fort Bliss, and Leslie Lizette Cardoza who were May 4, 2013. Spc. Car- present to receive the doza’s lifelong dream recognition along with was to join the armed his aunt, Ester Lopez, forces. He was halfway and cousin Joseph Lopez. through a nine-month tour in Kandahar, Af- Hidalgo County Com- ghanistan, province missioners Court mem- when the vehicle he and bers expressed their four other soldiers from condolences to the Fort Bliss were traveling Cardoza family, and rec- in was hit by a roadside ognized and paid tribute bomb. Spc. Cardoza died to the life and legacy of from injuries sustained in the tragic Texas. Spc. Cardoza was a dedicated Spc. Kevin Cardoza for his patriotic incident. Spc. Cardoza lived in Mer- father to his two daughters Deliliah service and ultimate sacrifice, which cedes Texas and attended Edcouch- Nevaeh and Melanee Renee Cardoza. will never be forgotten.

t the end of this month, Hidalgo eron County, and the County will be hosting the 15th City of Laredo, Texas. AAnnual Operation Lone Star, an annual and weeklong event that offers Held annually across FREE medical services to all residents South Texas during the and families in Hidalgo County. This last week in July, Opera- tremendous effort is a joint project tion Lone Star will pro- between many local, state, federal, and vide medical screenings, private partners, including the County of immunizations, diabetes screenings, men- Hidalgo, the Texas Department of State tal health screenings, vision screenings at OPERATION LONE STAR Health Services, Texas Military Forces, no cost to individuals. This is a perfect HIDALGO COUNTY DETAILS the United States Public Health Service, opportunity for families to access medi- Remote Area medical Volunteer Corps, cal care, that may be difficult to obtain PSJA ISD and La Joya ISD, and the health otherwise. All residents are encouraged LOCATIONS departments from Hidalgo County, Cam- to attend and take advantage of the FREE PSJA High School 805 W. Ridge Rd., San Juan, Tx medical services for you and your family. Trained doctors and military personnel Palmview High School will be on hand to conduct immunization 3901 N. La Homa Rd., Mission, Tx exams, diabetic screenings, blood pres- sure exams, hearing/vision test, sports DATES & TIMES physicals, screening referrals, dental Monday, July 29- Thursday, August 1 health exams and much more! 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Help us make Hidalgo County a healthier Friday, August 2 place for our families, and join us for 8:00 am - 2:00 pm Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd and Texas Operation Lone Star 2013! Military Forces during OLS 2011 Your County Connection is produced by the Hidalgo County Public Affairs Division Karina Cardoza, Director | 302 W. University Dr., Edinburg, Texas 78539 | 956.292.7026 | [email protected] | www.co.hidalgo.tx.us